Crispy Butter Chicken is a simple yet delicious dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a buttery, crispy coating. This easy-to-make recipe uses Ritz cracker crumbs for an extra crunch, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner party, this recipe will surely impress with its rich taste and delightful texture.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, sliced
- 1 cup Ritz cracker crumbs
- 2 large eggs, whisked
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (6 ounces each)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare Baking Dish: Place the butter slices in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish in the oven to melt the butter while you prepare the chicken.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Crush Crackers: Place Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Mix Seasonings: In a shallow dish, mix the Ritz cracker crumbs with black pepper and garlic salt.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken breast into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the chicken into the seasoned cracker crumbs, coating all sides thoroughly.
Step 4: Bake the Chicken
- Arrange in Dish: Remove the baking dish with melted butter from the oven. Carefully place the coated chicken breasts into the dish, arranging them in a single layer.
- Bake: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Rest Chicken: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking.
- Serve: Serve the crispy butter chicken with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad. Enjoy the rich, buttery, and crispy flavors!
Cook’s Notes
- Crumb Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of crackers or breadcrumbs for varied textures and flavors.
- Spice It Up: Add more spices or herbs to the cracker mixture, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning, to customize the flavor to your liking.
- Butter Quality: Using high-quality butter can enhance the flavor of the dish.
Variations
Parmesan Butter Chicken
- Add Cheese: Mix 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese with the Ritz cracker crumbs for an extra cheesy and flavorful coating.
Herb Butter Chicken
- Add Herbs: Add 1 teaspoon of dried herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or parsley, to the cracker crumbs for an herb-infused flavor.
Low-Carb/Keto Version
- Pork Rind Coating: Substitute the Ritz cracker crumbs with crushed pork rinds for a low-carb and keto-friendly version of this crispy chicken dish.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the coated chicken breasts ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover crispy butter chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain the crispy texture.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken breasts before baking. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
What sides go well with crispy butter chicken?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh green salad.
Crispy Butter Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines tender chicken with a buttery, crunchy coating. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures a delicious and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed any night of the week. With its rich flavor and versatile variations, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Follow these steps to create a mouthwatering dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds!